Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Zaynê Akyol, the acclaimed Canadian-Kurdish director whose latest documentary, "ROJEK", delves deep into the personal stories of those who were part of the Islamic State and their incarcerated lives post-war. Rojek is currently streaming on Whush.com as part of the official selection of Doc.Boston where in won the 'Best Connecting Cultures Film" award.
Welcome, Zaynê.
Zaynê Akyol: Thank you for having me.
"ROJEK" is a compelling and intense documentary that offers an intimate look into the lives of incarcerated ISIS members and their families. What inspired you to create this film?
Zaynê Akyol: My inspiration for "ROJEK" stems from a personal place of loss and a quest for understanding. During the filming of my first documentary, "Gulîstan, Land of Roses", I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of ISIS on Kurdish fighters, many of whom became my friends and later died in the conflict. "ROJEK" is my attempt to understand the minds and motivations of those responsible for such atrocities, and in a way, to find closure for myself.
How did you manage to gain access to these incarcerated individuals, considering the security and sensitivity of the subject?
Zaynê Akyol: Gaining access was an incredibly challenging process that involved extensive negotiations and building trust over time. I was granted permissions that are usually reserved for intelligence agencies like the CIA. It took years of back-and-forth efforts between Canada, Iraqi Kurdistan, and Syrian Kurdistan to secure these interviews.
The film features personal stories from jihadists and their families. How did you navigate the ethical challenges of portraying their narratives?
Zaynê Akyol: Navigating the ethical landscape was a constant challenge. It was crucial for me to remain objective and allow these individuals to share their stories in their own words, without imposing my own judgment. However, it was equally important to contextualize their narratives within the broader reality of their actions and the impact on victims. My goal was to shed light on the phenomenon of indoctrination and offer a perspective that is often unseen, without condoning their beliefs or actions.
"ROJEK" intertwines these interviews with scenes from post-war Syrian Kurdistan. What was the significance of this choice?
Zaynê Akyol: The juxtaposition of personal interviews with scenes from post-war Syrian Kurdistan serves to highlight the stark contrast between the ideologies of ISIS and the reality they left behind. It provides a visual and emotional backdrop that underscores the devastation and the ongoing struggles of the Kurdish people. This approach also emphasizes the resilience and the continuous fight for a democratic and pluralistic society in the region.
Your background as a Kurdish immigrant and the personal loss you've experienced clearly influence your work. How do these experiences shape your filmmaking?
Zaynê Akyol: My Kurdish heritage and personal experiences profoundly shape my perspective and drive my storytelling. Having lost friends and seen the impact of these conflicts up close, my work is infused with a sense of urgency and a deep commitment to truth and justice. Filmmaking for me is not just a profession but a way to process my grief, seek understanding, and contribute to the larger discourse on these critical issues.
"ROJEK" has received numerous accolades. How do you feel about the recognition it has garnered?
Zaynê Akyol: I am incredibly humbled by the recognition "ROJEK" has received. Each award and festival selection validates the years of hard work and the emotional toll it took to bring this story to light. More importantly, it signifies that these stories resonate with audiences and spark necessary conversations about extremism and the human condition amidst such adversity.
What message do you hope viewers take away from "ROJEK"?
Zaynê Akyol: I hope viewers come away with a deeper understanding of the complexities of radicalization and the human stories behind these headlines. It's crucial to recognize the ideological battles that continue even after the physical fighting has ceased. By examining the roots and consequences of extremism, we can better equip ourselves to address and prevent such threats in the future.
Thank you, Zaynê, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. "ROJEK" is undoubtedly a powerful and important documentary.
Zaynê Akyol: Thank you for having me and for providing a platform to discuss these critical issues.
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